Use sites already in use

Regarding the site for Foxconn, there are many big graded and fill-settled sites in the area already used for dated outlet malls, other retail and their vast parking lots.

Were a retail complex, or assembly of retail sites at one of the I-94 off-ramps, to do a land swap for never developed land, then already environmentally vetted sites might be prepared for the new manufacturing development more quickly. The retail can then be moved to sites adjacent in new buildings incorporating residential and retail, using permeable paving, large awnings and other water management that eliminate the need for ice and snow control using road salt .

They could use the latest and greatest leading edge environmental and on-site energy designs instead of caving to the asphalt, coal and concrete factors, and not being intelligent and creative in the environmental and energy aspects of the master plan, in spite of environmental exemptions. This along with a redesigned off-ramp and frontage road.

Why, if the residential buildings were tall enough, those on top floors could see Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Chicago and Lake Geneva — even be connected to them and Amtrak by using high-speed, grade-separated pipe rail systems, such as those that have been used for almost 60 years and for which some dedicate entire vacations.

- G.F. Bird Milwaukee